The operational program of the Haramain High-Speed Railway reflects an advanced model for efficiently transporting millions of passengers between Makkah and Madinah, maintaining regular departure schedules while keeping pace with the growing number of visitors and facilitating their movement between the two holy mosques quickly, safely, and with ease.
Corporate Communications Director at Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) Hussam Alshehri affirmed the company’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors during the holy month of Ramadan by increasing the number of train trips across its stations. The move aims to transport the largest possible number of passengers to their destinations, particularly between Makkah and Madinah. He noted that the company has implemented a comprehensive operational plan—the largest of its kind for the Haramain High-Speed Railway—to raise trip capacity to its highest levels and facilitate movement between the two holy cities with ease and safety.
Speaking to SPA from the Madinah train station, Alshehri explained that the plan includes operating more than 3,662 trips during Ramadan, providing over 1.7 million seats for passengers, visitors, and Umrah performers across the railway’s stations. This enables flexible travel options throughout the day and helps reduce waiting times during peak periods.
He added that the number of daily trips during the last ten days of Ramadan has been expanded to more than 140 trips per day to keep pace with the notable rise in the number of pilgrims and visitors during this period.
He emphasised the railway’s continued leading role in linking Makkah and Madinah, passing through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, with an operational speed reaching 300 km/h, allowing the journey between the two holy cities to take approximately two hours in a comfortable and safe environment.
Alshehri added that operational and technical teams of the Haramain High-Speed Railway network work around the clock to maintain the highest operational readiness, ensure smooth traffic flow, and adhere to the highest standards of safety and service quality for passengers.
He also noted that SAR recently signed an agreement to purchase 20 new trains from the Spanish company Talgo as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the fleet. The new trains will be added to the current fleet of 35 trains to enhance passenger capacity, support services, and meet the growing demand for travel during upcoming seasons.
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